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Master's Degree

RN to Public Health MSN
Accelerated Online Program Option

Program Length

28 Mo.

Credits

52

Format

Online

Clinicals

180 Hrs
calendar

NEXT START March 3rd

Waived Enrollment Fee

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Go from BSN to MSN – Public Health Nursing with Herzing University

AccreditationCCNE accredited,1Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
Choose your pathChoose our Accelerated RN to MSN curriculum, or stop for a BSN on the way (RN to BSN to MSN)
Format100% online coursework with hands-on clinical practicum experience
Paying for schoolScholarships and financial aid available for those who qualify; transfer approved credit from prior college coursework to reduce cost and time
Our pledgeWe pledge your clinical placement!
Dual creditEarn dual credit towards a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
QuickPathsTransfer credit, stackable credentials, and adaptive learning technology build a faster pathway to a higher education with Herzing University

Learn More Today!

Classes start: March 3rd

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Ranked by U.S. News & World Report as one of the best online graduate nursing programs in 2025

Overview: RN to MSN - Public Health Nursing

The RN to MSN – Public Health Nursing degree pathway is a 52-credit graduate program which prepares you for a career as a leader in public health nursing. The degree program provides students with fundamental knowledge and skills in community and public health nursing, dimensions of advanced nursing practice, advocacy and policy, health promotion, and much more.

Public Health Nurse with MSN Working with Healthcare Team

  • Career-focused curriculum

    Discover the crucial knowledge and skills required to succeed in your work and build a foundation for continued career growth.

  • Flexible schedule

    We work hard to help you maintain school-life balance, striving to be as flexible as possible for busy non-traditional students.

  • Virtual services

    Access to extensive virtual services, including academic advising, tutoring, support services, technical support and library services.

  • Lifelong support

    We support your ongoing career advancement by providing comprehensive, personalized student services with lifelong career coaching.

  • Rolling admissions

    No application deadlines to worry about. Apply when you’re ready and prepare to get started soon.

Curriculum

RN to MSN in Public Health Nursing courses & curriculum details

All didactic lecture-style courses are delivered 100% online. You will also be required to complete 180 clinical practicum hours.

You may also elect to earn a bachelor’s degree on the way as part of an RN to BSN to MSN pathway, which combines our RN to BSN (12 months) and MSN – Public Health Nursing (16 months) programs. Please contact admissions for more details.

ProgramMonths iCredits
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) in Public Health Nursing - Accelerated RN-MSN (MSNPHA)2852

i. Average number of months for students to complete program. Program availability varies by location.

Required Bridge Courses

All courses, 16.00 semester credit hours, are required prior to completing graduate level coursework.

This course requires students to analyze discourse communities, execute a well-designed academic research project, apply reading strategies to academic texts, and use texts as models for writing. Analyzing discourse communities involves identifying how communication conventions change in different contexts. Designing and executing an academic research project involves formulating research questions, conducting primary and/or secondary research, synthesizing ideas from multiple sources, discussing findings, and presenting the results in APA format. Applying reading strategies to academic texts involves using a process for reading, identifying text features, evaluating sources, and organizing reading notes. Using texts as models for writing involves analyzing and imitating the scope, structure, methods, use of evidence, and tone common to academic writing.

This course presents the study of basic statistical theory and concepts. Topics include statistical probabilities, measures of central tendency, measures of variation, hypothesis testing, regression, and correlation.

This course uses theoretical frameworks in critical thinking strategies to study the coordinating role of the profession nurse within the healthcare delivery system.  Current theories of leadership and management in relation to nursing practice.

This course focuses on the role and competencies of the nurse in the community setting, to promote whole-person health.  The principles of professional nursing care are applied to culturally diverse individuals, families, and groups and are integrated throughout the health-illness continuum. In the clinical setting, students care for selected patients in various community-based settings, integrating knowledge of epidemiology and factors that influence population health.

Using the knowledge, skills, research, technology, and experience, learners will expand and explore advanced nursing practice as an educator, leader, and practitioner. This course will examine nursing theory, professional role competencies, and standards related to practice, education, and leadership.

Required Core Courses

All courses, 15.00 semester credit hours, are required.

This course takes an interdisciplinary approach to guide students in evaluating healthcare policy issues that impact decision making and outcomes in healthcare. Students will explore healthcare delivery systems and analyze issues which impact the delivery of healthcare and nursing at global, national, and state levels of government. Students will analyze the development, formulation, and implementation of policies and related economic issues that can influence healthcare practice today. In addition, the course includes topics such as the relationship between healthcare providers and patients, insurance policies, quality management, legislative liability issues, ethical decision making, and other policy issues.

This course focuses on the integration, translation, and application of established and evolving theoretical, evidence-based, and disciplinary nursing knowledge as the basis for clinical judgment and innovation in nursing practice. Students examine frameworks for knowledge and propose a practice application informed by leadership principals and ethical decision making.

This course will explore information and communication technologies and informatics processes used to provide care, gather data, drive decision making, and manage and improve the delivery of safe, high‐quality, and efficient healthcare services in accordance with best practice and professional and regulatory standards. Students will perform an information technology analysis of their practice and develop strategic planning to direct the selection and implementation of new information and communication technologies for their practice setting.

This course applies the principals of best practices, change theory, and improvement and implementation science to the development of innovative solutions for complex health systems to ensure optimal care. Course key concepts include organizational structure, including relationships among macro‐, meso‐, and microsystems across healthcare, and financial and payment models for cost management and reimbursement. Students will engage in a strategic planning initiative for a complex healthcare system which enhances value, access, quality, and cost‐effectiveness, including policy to address health equity and eliminate structural discrimination.

The course focuses on the application, evaluation, and dissemination of knowledge in practice to improve health and transform health care. The processes for the generation, critique, synthesis, and translation of knowledge will be examined. Students will complete human subject protection certification, determine best practices for a specified clinical initiative, and apply evidence to clinical decision making using a framework of evidence-based practice and improvement science.

Required Direct Care Courses

All courses, 9.00 semester credit hours, are required.

This course is an examination of the process of holistic assessment (physical, psychosocial, and cultural) of individuals across the lifespan. Focus is critical thinking and decision-making related to the role of the advanced practice nurse in a primary care setting.

The course examines scientific concepts of pathophysiology essential to diagnostic reasoning and clinical management of common disease states. The dilemma of cost and need for laboratory and radiographic evidence to support diagnosis is examined.

This course is designed to advance the student's knowledge of pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and pharmacotherapeutics in the management of health and disease states. Major categories of pharmacological agents are examined in the context of the life span, culture, and health and disease states. State and federal regulation related to purchase, possession, administration and patient education about controlled substances, pharmacologic agents and non-pharmacologic agents used as medications are examined.

Required Specialty Courses

All courses, 12.00 semester credit hours, are required.

This course introduces students to public health nursing roles and responsibilities. Students will explore historical influences in public health nursing practice and analyze public health impacts in a variety of settings. Students will review epidemiological methods of data analysis in conjunction with health promotion frameworks to develop health promotion activities. Students will explore population health promotion frameworks and identify strategies to develop a health promotion project proposal for a select population.

This course introduces students to the unique advocacy role in public health nursing practice. Students will explore policy and regulatory activities that impact populations and identify strategies to include stakeholder preferences in health promotion planning. Students will identify the impact of policies on disparate health outcomes and evaluate interventions to improve population-based outcomes. Students will develop communication strategies to enforce public health regulatory activities that contribute to the health and safety of a select population.

This course focuses on health disparities in various populations and regions, including globally. Students will explore environmental influences that impact populations and identify public health activities that mitigate population health risks. Students will explore community engagement strategies and demonstrate ethical public health nursing practice with a population of interest. Students will focus on demonstrating competency in public health nursing standards while designing a health promotion project. In addition, contemporary topics focused on the impact of environmental and global justice will be explored.

This course focuses on integrating concepts learned in previous courses and applying them through a clinical experience working directly with a population of interest. Students will collaborate with diverse stakeholders to develop and present a health promotion project plan that reflects stakeholder needs. Students will evaluate the efficacy of the project plan and revise based upon stakeholder input. Students will complete a professional practice appraisal and identify strategies to achieve career goals in alignment with public health nursing practice standards.

Tuition & Cost

Tuition & Cost

The cost of tuition for the RN to MSN - Public Health Nursing program is $625 per credit.

You can potentially earn even greater savings by transferring credit from prior college coursework, applying for financial aid, or potential partnership opportunities through your employer.

Our goal is your career advancement. That’s why we are always working to improve our curriculum and processes to make our program as affordable as possible while preparing you best for success in your work.

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  • Scholarships & Financial Aid

    You may be eligible for multiple scholarships and grants—including our Nurses Circle of Achievement scholarship, which offers up to 10% tuition reduction.

    Find scholarships and grants  

  • Military/Veteran Discounts

    Veterans, Active Duty U.S. Servicemembers, and spouses may qualify for a 10% tuition discount or tuition reduction to $250 per credit.

    VA/Military benefits  

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Requirements

Admissions requirements

Enrollment requirements are the same whether you choose the Accelerated RN to MSN-PH or RN to BSN to MSN-PH track. Prerequisites include:

  • Live in a state where Herzing University is authorized to offer the RN to MSN program
  • Hold a current, active and unrestricted license as a registered nurse (RN) in the same state in which they practice
  • Hold an associate degree (ADN/ASN/AASN) in nursing from a nationally or regionally accredited college or university
  • Participate in an interview to identify your goals and determine if the program is right for you

Eligible states for enrollment: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.

Your clinical placement is our pledge.

We understand securing clinical placement as part of an RN to MSN - Public Health Nursing program is one of the biggest concerns students face. At Herzing, we offer guidance and support through our step-by-step Clinical Guidance Process to ensure you can get the clinical practice experiences you need.

As a Herzing student, we’ll encourage you to find your own preceptor and clinical sites as there are many benefits to doing so. However, we provide extensive support should you find difficulty along the way. With Herzing, you are never on your own.

Because of our strong relationships with healthcare providers across the U.S. and our comprehensive Clinical Guidance Process, we are confident in our ability to help you find clinical placement. So much so that if you are unable to find a clinical site on your own, we pledge to step in and help you secure clinical placement.*

* Subject to terms and conditions outlined in the enrollment documents.

MSN Clinical Placement Pledge Herzing Badge
Careers

Become a leader in public health nursing

You can begin shaping the way nursing is done by specializing in the field of public health nursing. Apply what you’ve learned and experienced as an RN to become a population health advocate, analyst, and decision-maker. You can become a health educator and coordinator of important medical and social services people need to stay healthy.

Instead of primarily treating illness and disease that has already occurred, you can work to prevent it in the first place.

Earning a master’s degree can help you build the knowledge and skills needed to climb the ranks and qualify for leadership and managerial positions in public health nursing.

Becoming a Public Health Nurse

Classes Start: March 3rd

Waived Enrollment Fee

Discover the educational pathway designed to maximize your career potential. Reach for greater heights with Herzing University.

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Faq

Frequently Asked Questions

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“Public” and “community” nursing are terms often used interchangeably—but they aren’t necessarily the same thing.

Community health nurses typically work directly with individuals, families, and groups to achieve better health outcomes.

Public health nurses usually take a broader approach to patient populations. They focus on advocating for change in systems, reforming policy, and health promotion.

In general—community health nurses directly help people make the best use of the systems in place, while public health nurses focus on improving those systems.

Of course, there are several factors behind why jobs are named the way they are. When you start looking for jobs in public health or community health nursing, be sure to thoroughly read through the job description to determine if it’s the right kind of role for your skillset and preferences.

One of the top certifications for public health professionals is the Certified in Public Health (CPH) certification from the National Board of Public Health Examiners (NBPHE). You’ll need a combination of education and experience to qualify to sit for the exam.1

You may not need to be certified to earn every type of job in public health nursing. However, CPH certification can separate your resume from the rest, and shows employers you’ve got the knowledge, skills, and experience to excel in the position.

1. You must meet specific eligibility criteria to sit for the CPH exam. The Herzing University MSN program in Public Health is not accredited by CEPH.

A Public Health Nurse (PHN) can work in a variety of community-based roles. They assess, evaluate, and implement interventions to improve health systems and policies. Their work can involve smaller communities or larger public and global patient populations.

Some job responsibilities can include health education, case management, program planning, policy development, epidemiology and disease prevention, and much more.

Learn more about what public health nurses do, including examples of the different kinds of work you can do and the skills required for success in the field.

Salaries in the public health nursing specialty can vary widely depending on your education, experience, and state of employment.

In the case of your first entry-level nursing job in public health, you may not be required to advance your education to the master’s level to qualify. Registered nurses across all specialties earn an average salary of $89,010 per year ($42.80 per hour), according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).*

Earning a master’s degree can help you qualify for upper-level managerial and leadership positions in public health nursing. The BLS reports the average salary for medical and health service managers is $127,980 per year ($61.53 per hour).*

Public health nurse refers to a broad category of different types of nurses focused heavily on education and illness prevention. Common types of community and public health nurses include school nurse, maternal and child health nurse, occupational health nurse, and case management nurse.

PHNs with advanced education and experience can qualify to become a consultant or lead a team as a director or manager of a team of nurses.

After earning a master’s degree you may pursue further nursing credentials in a post-master’s certificate in nursing program. Herzing offers multiple certificate options with specializations in:

After earning master's-level preparation in the specialty of your choosing, you can then advance to the doctorate level by enrolling in our online Post Master's DNP program.

Earning an MSN or DNP represents a huge step forward in your education, but there is always more to learn. We are your lifelong partner in learning, dedicated to helping you earn the education needed to reach your highest career goals.

It’s right in the name—the MSN in Public Health Nursing is a nursing degree designed for current RNs, while an MPH is designed for non-nursing professionals.

Enroll in an MSN in Public Health Nursing and you’ll take nursing specific courses covering topics such as technology and nursing informatics, research methods, evidence-based practice, pathophysiology, pharmacology, and much more. You’ll have the opportunity to pursue the public health track while continuing to advance your nursing knowledge and skills.

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The Student Experience at Herzing

After I took an Anatomy & Physiology course as an elective and did some shadowing at the hospital, I simply fell in love with Medical Coding!

Jennifer Gardner

Jennifer Gardner

Healthcare | Online Campus
Disclosures

Accreditation & Disclosures

1. The master's degree program in nursing at Herzing University - Madison is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org). Herzing University is approved to offer programs in an online learning modality through association with the main campus in Madison, Wisconsin.

Herzing University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

View Herzing University Accreditation and Approvals

* Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics 2023 / Occupational Outlook Handbook 2022. BLS estimates do not represent entry-level wages and/or salaries. Multiple factors, including prior experience, age, geography market in which you want to work and degree field, will affect career outcomes and earnings. Herzing neither represents that its graduates will earn the average salaries calculated by BLS for a particular job nor guarantees that graduation from its program will result in a job, promotion, salary increase or other career growth.

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Classes Start: March 3rd

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Discover the educational pathway designed to maximize your career potential. Reach for greater heights with Herzing University.

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